Technical Product Dossier
Cellulose-based performance chemistry for industrial applications
- Develops and licenses proprietary aqueous chemistries that render cellulose-based substrates hydrophobic, fire-resistant, and insect-resistant at industrial scale
- Formulations are designed for integration into existing wet-end and surface-application processes at paper mills and specialty converters
- Target substrates include containerboard, corrugated medium, molded fiber, cork composites, pallet lumber, and agricultural cellulose products
Chemistry Platform
Four-pillar bonding mechanism for durable substrate modification
The BEST chemistry platform achieves durable hydrophobicity through a multi-step bonding sequence applied to cellulose-rich substrates. Unlike conventional sizing agents that rely on a single mechanism, the BEST approach sequentially activates the fiber surface, deposits a functional barrier layer, forms permanent bonds, and locks the system via thermal cross-linking.
The active formulation is delivered as an aqueous concentrate designed for dilution at the point of application. Typical addition rates range from 0.5–3.0% by weight on dry fiber, depending on substrate basis weight and target performance level. The chemistry is compatible with standard wet-end addition, size press application, and spray-booth surface treatment configurations.
Key formulation attributes:
- Aqueous-based — no organic solvents required
- pH-stable across typical process ranges (5.5–8.5)
- Compatible with common retention aids and starch systems
- Shelf life >12 months at ambient storage
Optimal cross-linking occurs during the standard paper drying process. No additional thermal treatment equipment is required for most grades. Typical dryer section temperatures (100–150°C surface) are sufficient to initiate and complete the condensation reactions within normal residence times.
For off-machine applications (e.g., pallet treatment), a separate curing step at 110–130°C for 5–15 minutes is recommended. Lower temperatures extend cure time but do not prevent cross-linking.
Treated substrates remain repulpable under standard recycling conditions. Preliminary testing (WMU protocol, placeholder) indicates >90% fiber recovery after repulping at elevated pH. The coating does not introduce persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, or PFAS compounds.
The BEST chemistry is explicitly designed as a PFAS-free alternative to fluorochemical-based sizing and water resistance treatments currently being phased out under regulatory pressure in multiple jurisdictions.
Product Portfolio
Application-specific formulations for industrial substrates
Core Product
The BEST Solution, Paper
Download Data SheetAqueous formulation for wet-end or size press application to paper and containerboard substrates. Provides durable hydrophobicity, improved wet strength, and enhanced moisture barrier properties while maintaining repulpability.
- Reduces Cobb60 values by 60–80% vs untreated substrate (placeholder)
- Maintains burst and tensile strength within 5% of untreated baseline (placeholder)
- Compatible with standard OCC furnish and virgin fiber blends
- PFAS-free formulation — no fluorochemical content
- Applicable at 0.5–2.5% addition rate (dry weight on fiber)
| Property | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy liquid | Visual |
| pH (as supplied) | 6.5 – 7.5 | ASTM E70 |
| Solids Content | 18 – 22% | Gravimetric |
| Density | 1.02 – 1.06 g/mL | ASTM D1475 |
| Shelf Life | >12 months | Ambient storage |
All values are placeholder estimates for design purposes.
- Corrugated containerboard (single-wall and double-wall)
- Linerboard and medium grades
- Folding carton stock
- Molded fiber packaging
- Industrial paper tubes and cores
Trial quantities available for qualified customers under NDA. Minimum trial order: 1 tote (275 gal). On-site technical support available for initial trials.
The BEST Pallet
Download Data SheetTreatment system for wooden pallet lumber and composite pallet materials. Provides water resistance, mold inhibition, insect deterrence, and fire retardancy in a single application step.
- Multi-functional: hydrophobic + fire retardant + insect resistant in one treatment
- Reduces moisture uptake by >50% vs untreated lumber (placeholder)
- Compatible with ISPM-15 heat treatment requirements
- Applicable via dip, spray, or pressure treatment
- Extends pallet service life by estimated 2–3x (placeholder)
| Property | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Water Absorption (24h soak) | <15% weight gain | ASTM D1037 |
| Fire Rating | V-1 equivalent (placeholder) | UL-94 style |
| Insect Deterrence | Pass (placeholder) | Method TBD |
| Coverage Rate | 200–350 sq ft/gal | Spray application |
All values are placeholder estimates for design purposes.
- GMA-style wooden pallets (48x40)
- Block and stringer pallet configurations
- Composite lumber pallets
- Pallet crating and dunnage
Field trials in progress with regional pallet manufacturers. Performance data expected Q2 2026 (placeholder timeline).
The BEST Cork
Download Data SheetTreatment for cork-based composite boards and panels. Enhances moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and acoustic performance while preserving the natural thermal insulation properties of cork.
- Reduces moisture-induced swelling by >40% (placeholder)
- Maintains NRC 0.55+ acoustic absorption rating (placeholder)
- Compatible with standard cork composite binders
- Suitable for interior and exterior applications
- Patent application in progress for corkboard formulation
| Property | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture Resistance | <5% swell after 24h soak (placeholder) | ASTM D1037 |
| Thermal Conductivity | 0.040 W/m·K (placeholder) | ASTM C518 |
| Acoustic NRC | 0.55–0.65 (placeholder) | ASTM C423 |
- Architectural cork wall tiles
- Cork composite underlayment
- Acoustic insulation panels
- Cork-based packaging inserts
Acoustic insulation testing underway. Patent application covers specific binder-treatment interaction for enhanced durability.
The BEST Flowerpot
Download Data SheetTreatment for molded fiber horticultural containers. Extends functional life of fiber-based pots by providing sustained water resistance without compromising biodegradability in soil environments.
- Extends functional pot life from weeks to months under irrigation (placeholder)
- Maintains structural integrity through >50 wet/dry cycles (placeholder)
- Biodegrades in soil within 12–24 months after end of use (placeholder)
- Compatible with standard molded fiber production equipment
| Property | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Wet/Dry Cycle Endurance | >50 cycles (placeholder) | Internal method |
| Water Absorption (1h) | <20% weight gain (placeholder) | Modified Cobb |
| Biodegradation | 12–24 months in soil (placeholder) | ASTM D5988 |
- Nursery propagation pots
- Retail garden center containers
- Seed starting trays
Suitable for direct-plant-in-ground applications. Treatment does not impede root penetration through pot wall at end of functional life.
The BEST Agricultural Products
A family of cellulose-based agricultural products treated for outdoor durability, moisture resistance, and pest deterrence.
Weed Block
Data Sheet- Cellulose-based weed suppression mat with hydrophobic treatment
- Blocks light transmission while allowing water vapor exchange
- Biodegrades at end of growing season — no removal required
- Replaces plastic landscape fabric in seasonal applications
Tree Skirts
Data Sheet- Pre-cut fiber rings for weed suppression around tree bases
- Insect-repellent treatment deters bark-damaging pests (placeholder)
- Maintains moisture in root zone while blocking surface weeds
Garden Stakes
Data Sheet- Compressed fiber stakes with moisture and rot resistance
- Load-bearing capacity sufficient for tomato and vine support (placeholder)
- Fully compostable at end of growing season
Performance Data
Testing metrics, comparison data, and third-party references
BEST-Treated vs Untreated & Conventional
| Metric | Untreated | Conventional Sizing | BEST-Treated | Unit | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cobb60 | 120–180 | 40–60 | 18–25 | g/m² | TAPPI T441 |
| Contact Angle | <30° | 75–90° | >110° | degrees | Sessile drop |
| Burst Strength | 42 | 40 | 50 | psi | TAPPI T403 |
| WVTR | >500 | 120–200 | 40–55 | g/m²/day | ASTM E96 |
| Repulpability | 98% | 85–92% | 90–95% | % fiber recovery | WMU method |
| Fire Resistance | None | None | V-1 equiv. | UL-94 style | Placeholder |
| Insect Resistance | None | None | Pass | — | Method TBD |
All values are placeholders for design mockup. Actual test results pending.
Performance Comparison (Placeholder)
Cobb60 Water Absorption (lower is better)
Contact Angle (higher is better)
Burst Strength (higher is better)
Certifications & Compliance
Regulatory status, third-party testing, and intellectual property
Leadership
Technical and commercial principals
Background in sustainable materials commercialization and industrial technology licensing. Led the identification of the cellulose treatment opportunity and assembled the technical team. Focused on strategic partnerships with paper mills and specialty chemical distributors. [Placeholder bio — expand with actual background.]
Leads formulation development and the four-pillar bonding mechanism research. Experience in silane chemistry, surface modification, and industrial coating systems. Responsible for scaling laboratory formulations to production-grade processes and managing third-party testing programs. [Placeholder bio — expand with credentials and publications.]
Manages product-market fit, customer trials, and commercial pipeline development. Background in specialty chemicals sales and technical service for the pulp and paper industry. Coordinates field trials and manages the product data sheet library. [Placeholder bio — expand with industry experience.]
Contact & Inquiries
Technical inquiries, NDA requests, and specification submissions
Technical Inquiry
Direct Contact
For immediate inquiries or to schedule a technical briefing: